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"Teaching children and adults to read, write, and comprehend is not only our essential duty and investment in America's future; it is also an act of love." |
History
“It’s not enough to just tell the stories. There must be real evaluation of the program, based on measurable objectives. That way the family literacy or other literacy program can go to a policy maker or private foundation and say, ‘See this works.’ It’s not about telling the passionate stories; that’s been done to death. The story is still essential, but to prove that you’re doing the work, you must have the data showing that adults are getting more jobs and their children are starting school and they are ready to learn.” For ten years, John had told the story of ‘the teacher who couldn’t read’ yet for him, it was not enough. In 1997, John formalized his literacy visions and, along with a diversified group of individual business and professional people, founded The John Corcoran Foundation, Inc. The Foundation began as a think tank to generate ideas to create public awareness. After identifying the crisis of illiteracy in the United States, the Foundation evolved into teacher training and tutoring. The Mission Statement Today:“The mission of the John Corcoran Foundation, Inc., is to facilitate the prevention and eradication of illiteracy in adults and children across America, through public awareness, creation and dissemination of resources, and training and mentoring through existing literacy organizations and educational programs.” With speaking engagements and appearances related to the publication of his first book, John articulated the problem of illiteracy. In the beginning, however, it seemed more logical to leave the solutions to others, those who had experience in imparting literacy skills. Yet it wasn’t enough to address an audience and explain what they had to do. The need for the Foundation’s two-pronged approach of awareness of the problem and providing resources was apparent every time John spoke. Inevitably he would be approached by people wanting to help and also needing help. The Foundation has been John’s way to respond and to model what others can do. Having had the experience of benefiting from the best science available, John wanted to make that opportunity available to others. As his travels continued, John connected with key players. Among them was a teacher in Colorado, Marianne Arling, who today is the Programs Director for the Foundation and oversees tutoring programs for students. Marianne’s passion, her vision, and her persistence were astounding. With a master’s degree in special education, Marianne had wanted to help struggling students, but she didn’t feel that she could do what she needed to in the traditional school environment. After pursuing some training in Lindamood-Bell, Phonographics, and other reading methodologies, Marianne worked with school districts and a community college, where she trained tutors. When she hooked up with the Foundation, it was clear that she would be a lifelong partner—the one who could help move the Foundation into providing solutions. Today, through the Foundation, Marianne directs after-school reading programs in Colorado that provide tutoring for students who need direct systematic phonic instruction and remediation. The Foundation is expanding the use of technology in literacy, including through a program offered to a virtual charter school whose students are mostly home schooled. In addition the Foundation provides an online literacy program in California and Colorado. How YOU can help to make a difference:Donations:• Donate money to purchase computers to be used by and/or given to students receiving online tutoring in their homes or at a JCF tutoring center. Make a donation to the John Corcoran Foundation. Community Read ProgramPlan or join a local event in which the whole community participates by reading The Teacher who Couldn’t Read and/or The Bridge to Literacy, and forms small groups to discuss the book. The purpose of a Community Read is to generate awareness of illiteracy while creating a unique space for open and sincere discussion, with the hopes of also determining possible solutions. Download the Community Read Executive Summary The Ed Anderson Scholarship FundAfter serving in the US Air Force for 23 years, Edmond Anderson began devoting his time and energy to Literacy Projects for children and adults. As a Rotarian since 1982, Anderson was always actively working to get Rotary involved in the fight for literacy. Anderson’s passion for literacy and his love for mentoring children stands out among millions. As a Founding Board member of the John Corcoran Foundation, Anderson will always be remembered as a true pioneer in the commitment to a literate America. This fund provides resources to train tutors and provide tutoring for students. In Recognition of your Contribution: The John Corcoran Foundation encourages you to keep the vision and mission of eradication and prevention of illiteracy for adults and children in America. Please send your donation to: Or, donate online through PayPal. Make a donation to the John Corcoran Foundation. For more information, please contact us at 760.757.4775 or brehon25@cox.net |
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